Finding the Secret Place: Making Room for God and His Word
Life moves fast. Most of us are juggling more than we ever expected, and in the middle of the rush, our connection with God can start to feel distant. But it doesn’t have to. Jesus invites us into something deeper, something quieter, something personal, what He calls the secret place. And that place always includes time with the Word.
Let’s talk about how to build it. Not just physically, but spiritually.
A Private Place That Builds a Public Faith
In Matthew 6:6, Jesus said, "When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen."
This isn’t about hiding from the world, it’s about shutting the door on distractions. The secret place is where we stop performing and start connecting. It’s where God meets us, not because we’ve earned it, but because we’ve shown up.
You don’t need a soundproof prayer closet or a perfect morning routine. You just need a place where your heart can be still long enough to listen.
The Bible Isn’t Just a Book, It’s a Voice
The Bible isn’t a textbook to study or a rulebook to follow. It’s a conversation with God. When we read it, we’re not just getting information, we’re receiving revelation.
For a lot of people, especially new believers, the Bible can feel overwhelming. That’s okay. Start with a Gospel - Mark or John are great. Read a Psalm a day. Use a reading plan if it helps you stay consistent, but don’t let it turn into a checklist. It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about building your faith.
When we don’t feel strong, God’s Word reminds us who we are. When we’re unsure, it gives us direction. And when we feel lost, it leads us home.
Shut the Door. Open the Book. Expect God to Speak.
Creating your secret place starts with being intentional. Eliminate distractions. Leave your phone in the other room. Open your Bible, not just randomly, but with expectation.
Pray first. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through what you’re reading. Then pay attention. What stands out? What challenges you? What comforts you? God’s Word is alive, and it speaks right into our current season.
Try this:
Start with Scripture — before you pray, read.
Pause and reflect — don’t rush.
Write it down — keep a journal nearby.
Pray it back — let the Word shape your prayers.
Paper Over Pixels
We live on our screens, but when it comes to your Bible, consider going old school. Studies show we retain more when we read on paper. Plus, a physical Bible doesn’t buzz, ding, or tempt you to check your email.
Get a Bible you can mark up. Underline verses. Write questions. Highlight what hits home. This turns your Bible into a record of your journey with God.
Let the Word Lead the Way
Before you rush into your day or your to-do list, let God lead. Scripture is more than a source of inspiration, it’s a weapon for spiritual battles. It shapes our thinking, builds our faith, and strengthens our identity.
Psalm 1 says those who meditate on the Word are like trees planted by streams, strong, rooted, and fruitful. That’s who you’re becoming when you make time in the Word a priority.
Time to Reflect
Ask yourself:
Am I approaching the Bible out of habit or hunger?
When was the last time I shut the door and made space for God to speak?
What’s keeping me from building that daily rhythm?
Pick a starting place. Set a time. Create space. Choose a passage - like Psalm 1 or John 15 - and read slowly. Let God speak. Journal your response. And end by thanking Him.
Let’s Build the Secret Place Together
This isn’t about legalism or pressure. It’s about relationship. The Word changes us, but only if we open it. God’s presence strengthens us, but only if we seek Him.
Let’s be people who shut the door, open the Bible, and listen for His voice. As you make the decision to prioritize time with God, you’ll find strength, clarity, and peace you didn’t know you were missing.
He’s waiting for you in the secret place. All you have to do is show up.